This video explains how our brain handles anxiety and stress, specifically before we are even aware that we are fearful. It was useful for me to hear the sections of the brain again, along with more examples of how things are processed. This is just the first in a series of videos, but I’m only going to present this one:

Also, if you’d like to see some hints on keeping your brain healthy, see below!

EXERCISE—

This has been listed first because it is probably one of the most important things to strengthen your brain. It doesn’t always have to be cardio, but some type of regular exercise (from 20 minutes to one hour a day) helps get the neurons in your brain firing, and allows you to be more alert and, essentially, a more cheerful person. The endorphins which are enhanced during exercise helps you feel good and confident about yourself, too! To this day I use exercise as a way to process things that have happened throughout the day and to give me a chance to think…or NOT think, depending on the situation!

COFFEE–

When you were in college, this drink was probably a staple, especially as you were cramming for that test or diligently studying for your final. But coffee has also been shown to ward off diseases, or at least slow symptoms of certain diseases. Some of these diseases include Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. In addition to these benefits, coffee provides a natural antioxidant and has been known to lengthen lifespan!

SUNLIGHT–

lifehack.org

Two words: Vitamin D. Being out in the sun also releases a hormone called serotonin, which basically triggers our brains to think happy thoughts. This raises your mood and even assists you in fighting depression.

MAKING CONNECTIONS–

blog.ed.ted.com

Need I say more? Our brain is like a filing system. If we can connect new information to a group of information that we already have stored in our brain (schema–like a file folder), we will be much more likely to remember it later! Think of us putting something in a filing cabinet under a certain topic. When we go back to retrieve information from that topic, we know which file to look under. The same applies for learned information in our brain.

MEDITATE–

buzzfeed.com

I am not a huge proponent of meditation, but I do think it is important to take time out from the business of life in order to focus on self. So many times we get caught up in work, friends, family, responsibilities that we get burned out. In this way, we will not be nearly as effective as we would like to be, especially when it comes to things that are important to us. This is not beneficial, and we should watch that we take care of ourselves first so that we can best reach out to others.

SLEEP WELL–

When you sleep your brain has an opportunity to catch up and solidify memories that have just passed through your mind during the day. While you sleep, your brain actually cements thoughts and new learning to use later.

EAT WELL–

LOADS of information can be found about specific diets, but I want to mention one thing in particular. Omega 3 fats have been known to dramatically increase brain production. This can be found in some fish (Krill, Salmon, Sardines, Tuna to name a few) or fish oils, nuts and seeds, or anchovies.